People with gluten intolerance, celiac disease, have long struggled to get used to a restricted diet balanced with the absence of the ingredient. The reason is simple: Gluten is everywhere!
It is a protein present in many grains in wheat flour, rye, barley, malt and oats. This means that celiac should not consume common foods in our daily life, such as bread, pasta, cookies, beer, among others.
But in recent years, excluding gluten has become fashionable. The diet has become more popular than ever and has been adopted not only by medical advice but also by people seeking to lose unwanted pounds.
With this, many myths began to emerge on the subject. After all, is gluten free diet really effective for weight loss? The nutritionist Denise Real clarifies doubts and unveils 5 facts surrounding the gluten-free diet and, in fact, are myths. Check out:
Myth 1: Gluten Free Diet helps you lose weight
If you thought cutting out gluten-containing foods would be the solution to weight loss, you're wrong. According to nutritionist Denise Real, a gluten-free diet does not necessarily help you lose weight. This is because several gluten free products have the same amount of calories as conventional versions. Excluding this ingredient from the menu is only associated with weight loss for one simple reason: eliminating it from the diet keeps people away from various fattening foods such as pizza, beer, hamburger, pasta and bread.
By replacing these foods with less calorie choices such as fruits, vegetables, brown rice, oilseeds, fish, eggs, milk, among others, weight loss happens, giving the false impression that gluten is the villain. And the expert points out: For those looking to lose weight, the ideal way is to make good food choices, including on the menu fruits, vegetables and lean meats. It is misleading to think that gluten removal is the solution to this.
Myth 2: Gluten is a Food Villain
This statement is a great myth. Gluten is really only harmful to people who are hypersensitive to it. When consumed by people with celiac disease, the nutrient seriously interferes with the small intestine and causes inflammation that prevents the absorption of vitamins and minerals. It may also have symptoms such as chronic diarrhea, vomiting, poor appetite and bloating. For this reason, those suffering from celiac disease cannot ingest food even with lower amounts of gluten. However, this is not true for those without the disease. In this case, gluten consumption does not pose any health problems.
Myth 3: Everyone Can Benefit From a Gluten Free Diet
Many people who have never had gluten sensitivity problems are cutting back on the diet ingredient, but it is a fact that not everyone benefits from it. When there is sensitivity to the ingredient, dieters can feel more energy, sleep better, and have a sense of well-being. But does this not mean that those without celiac disease will have the same benefits? There is no evidence about it. Therefore, according to nutritionist Denise Real, the only reason that should lead someone to exclude gluten from their diet is to be a carrier of celiac disease.
Myth 4: By eliminating gluten, you lose nutrients you can't find anywhere else.
Contrary to this statement, it is possible to find the nutrients present in gluten foods also in their free options. However, this is a very difficult task. According to Denise, gluten is a protein fraction of some cereals that provide many other nutrients to the body, such as fiber and vitamins, especially the B complex. Therefore, banning it from the diet, you need to pay much more attention to what you are eating. and maintain a balanced diet to make up for any lost nutrients with other foods.
Myth 5: Gluten Free Foods Are Always Healthy
It is not because a food has no gluten that it will no longer have fat, sugar or bad health ingredients. In addition, many gluten-free alternatives are even more caloric than regular versions. Sometimes, to make up for the missing ingredient, these products are high in fat and sodium.
Now that you know more about this diet, consider whether this is the best alternative for you.Remember: The best way to achieve healthy weight loss is to combine a balanced diet that provides all the nutrients the body needs with physical activity.
The Only Video You'll Ever Need to Watch About Gluten (April 2024)
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